Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri DiRaja,
According to MMU Associate Professor, Tan Ching Seong, the way waste in Pangkor is handled is hazardous to the health of residents. From the short TVkini clip it is apparent that the handling of wastes from their original form to its final state – dust (after incineration) – is well below most health safety standards.
It is not only a threat to the health of those who work in the incinerator plant but also to Pangkor residents, per se. Depending on the wind direction, Lumut and other mainland population would also be affected.
There is also the danger of leaching which affects the water table. Eventually this will leach into the sea, affecting marine life. Contaminated fish caught around Pangkor, which is distributed throughout Perak, will be eaten by unsuspecting consumers. It is not inconceivable that in time, consumers of seafood caught around Pangkor Island, will be afflicted by the Minamata Disease.
Minamata Bay in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan was highly polluted. In the mid-fifties there was a high increase in deformed births in the area, which was traced to the consumption of fish caught in the Bay and even as far as the Shiranui Sea.
Unless this matter is taken seriously and handled transparently the consequences do not bear contemplating.
Pangkor is a holiday resort. A large section of the population depends on tourism for a living. Tourists will shun Pangkor once news of this goes out.
As the MB and Assemblyman for Pangkor, I am sure you would like to address this issue and ensure that the handling of wastes is done to the highest standard. This applies not just to Pangkor but to the rest of Perak.
On a related matter (of cleanliness and health), I must say that Ipoh is getting dirtier by the day even though the ‘important’ roads are generally clean. But then Ipoh is more than just Tiger Lane, Tambun Road, Gopeng Road, Brewster Road and Hugh Low Street.
Looks like having a new broom, or rather a newly-appointed Mayor, has not swept Ipoh clean.
Your response will be much appreciated, Dato’ Seri DiRaja.
Sincerely yours,
Yin Ee Kiong
